Several months ago I wrapped up my year-by-year look at the films of the 1980s. Instead of just falling in line and jumping to the 90s, I thought I would skip a decade and save it for later. Today I starting my look at the 2000s from a Phenomenal 5 perspective. The year 2000 was … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Mortdecai”
Life is full of important questions. Does Donald Trump really think his hair looks good? Will Tom Cruise ever age? Do people actually watch “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”? But perhaps the most perplexing question is this – what has happened to Johnny Depp? And to go a bit further, what is driving him to … Continue reading
Great Images From Great Movies (3) – “Jaws”
Truly great movies leave indelible marks. It may be through an emotional connection to the story. It may be through a remarkable performance or a signature scene. But it could also be through the brilliant imagery that films carves into your mind. That’s what this feature is all about – highlighting great images from great … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Z for Zachariah”
The post-apocalypse has become one of the favorite settings for modern day filmmakers. Think about it. We’ve witnessed the aftermath of an earth ravaged by everything from nuclear war to energy depletion to zombie outbreaks. And while some may argue it has been done ad nauseam, I have to say I love it. It’s a … Continue reading
REVIEW: “No Escape” (2015)
No this isn’t Martin Campbell’s grungy 1994 sci-fi survival flick starring Ray Liotta. You remember, the one with the prison island and the two warring prisoner factions? Okay you probably don’t and it’s completely irrelevant anyway. This is the serious and stunningly intense “No Escape” starring (of all people) Owen Wilson and Lake Bell. I … Continue reading
REVIEW: “Stalingrad”
Sifting through the various layers of “Stalingrad” can be difficult. The Russian war drama from director Fedor Bondarchuk is one of the most visually stunning war pictures you will ever see and there are several interesting and compelling narrative choices. At the same time it struggles with a bit of an identity crisis. It … Continue reading